ruth

During our upcoming visit to Paris I want to take a day trip to Giverny. We have a 3-day Franch Rail Pass of which we can use one day for the trip to Giverny. Is this easier than the tour books make it seem? We could catch the train at the Gare St.Lazare(I can figure how to get there from our hotel.) Are the trains on time and are tickets usually available when you walk up to ticket gate or do we need to get them in advance? How does this differ from using the TVG? Will there be adequate signage at the metro stations or will we be totally confused?(Do I sound a little train paranoid?) Should we spend one of our 3 days in Paris on this trip or skip it for something local? All advice will be helpful.

Boots

Is it worth it? Do you like gardens and are you interested in Monet? If so, it is worth it. I would probably use a 3-day Railpass for a longer trip because it is not going to cost you a lot to go to Giverny. At the Gare St-Lazare, you can buy a ticket to Vernon from a machine. If that confuses you, go to a ticket window. Giverny is about 3 miles from Vernon. If there is no bus at the station, and there probably isn't at this time of the year, take a cab. The cabbie will ask you at what time you want to return and will pick you up again. As a do-it-yourselfer, I would never opt for a guided tour. The train is much cheaper. Trains are ALWAYS on time in France. You can set your watch by them. What do you mean by adequate signage at a metro station? I don't know how anyone can get lost in them. Three months in Paris would be too short a time for me; had I but three days, I probably would forego Giverny, Versailles, and anything outside this marvelous city. I lived here in my student days and go back several times each year. If you have questions, e-mail me. But do so before 27 September when I leave again for my favorite city. Boots <BR>

Christina

It sounds like you are not that familiar with trains. The TGV (NOT TVG)is simply one type of train run within the French natlRR system. TGV stands for Train a Grande Vitesse and is for special high-speed trains. The train to Vernon/Giverny is a local run, and there's no TGV tracks to there. I <BR>wouldn't waste part of a 3-day rail pass <BR>on it, as it's not that expensive a ticket, unless you have no other use for <BR>that day on the pass. Giverny is beautiful, but I'm not sure what it would look like when you plan to go as most of the flowers seemed to be summer <BR>perennials to me. I would not go there <BR>as 1 day of a 3-day Paris trip, unless you've been there before <BR>(and it appears you haven't). I think <BR>signs in the Metro stations are well-marked, but if you aren't familiar <BR>with trains at all and don't speak/read <BR>French, I would think this Giverny trip <BR>might be a little tricky. If you go, <BR>be warned that you should be VERY careful to find out when the trains leave Vernon for Paris or you will get <BR>stuck there--there are not very many <BR>return runs in late afternoon, and if you get on the wrong train, it can take <BR>up to 2 hrs, and there's one pm train that actually involves a transfer <BR>at some small town in-between, I forget <BR>the name. If you don't transfer trains, you could end up somewhere other than Paris if you get on that train. <BR>If you go, and can manage the train system, just use taxis to get to & from <BR>Giverny, as the bus system is something <BR>else you'll have to figure out (i.e., <BR>schedule and infrequent runs--the bus is very expensive, anyway). <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Joe

Ruth, <BR> <BR>My wife and I visited Giverny when we were in Paris in 1990. Because it's been a while ago, I don't remember the details of the train. But it was a pleasant, fairly short trip and Giverny is spectacular. We went on a summer Sunday, when the place was swamped with visitors. Even at its busiest, the gardens are lovely and the house is fascinating -- the colors are surprising inside and out and the Japanese prints are wonderful. I hope that you go and that you enjoy it as much as we did. <BR>

Peter

ruth: i was in giverny in june - it is truly magnificant - however -by october many of the flowers will be gone - although the lilly ponds are wonderful - it is a simple local trip - i believe there is an 8:15 train - use the concierge in your hotel to check times and to write instructions for ticket seller - other choices for a day trip - Reims - a great cathedral and champagne or Chartres - enjoy!! <BR>

Sherrie Miller

Ruth: We went to Giverny around the 10th of Sept. When will you be there? The flowers and the lilly ponds were spectacular. Our photos came out so well we're having some enlarged. We really enjoyed it and hope you will find it rewarding too. here is a very nice French Cafe across the street located with another gift shop. There was a shuttle to take you to the place after you got off the train. Just make sure you know the return schedules and you won't have trouble. Besides that, anytime we had trouble, we just asked any person who was around. As long as you great them politely in French and ask them pardon mwah, silvous plai, parlay vous anglaigh? We had no trouble with the French people. They are very very nice and will help you. Even the young people are especially helpful. <BR>

darin

Ruth, <BR>I concur with those who say that you should not spend 1 day of a 3 day trip in Giverny. I spent 2 months in Paris and didn't see all there was to see. Giverny is nice, but without a lot of the flowers, it will not be as pretty. If you are a huge Monet fan, go to the Musee D'Orsay, Musee Orangeries and Musee Marmottan. You will see more of Monet's paintings there than in Giverny. bon voyage !! <BR>